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MONTICELLO, Ark. -- To say the Stamford 15-year-old All-Star team overcame a lot in the Babe Ruth World Series would be an understatement.

Stamford endured injuries to key players such as Kyle DiVico and Jason LoRusso. The all-stars had a pool play game postponed due to weather on Sunday then tournament officials inexplicably had it moved to Tuesday, the second game of a doubleheader for the squad.

Despite all that and an 0-2 start to the tourney, Stamford swept the doubleheader to qualify for the single-elimination playoffs. It seemed the magic they had in going 11-0 through the New England Regionals had returned.

Unfortunately for Stamford, its amazing postseason run came to an end on Wednesday.

An RBI fielder's choice with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted Bryant, Ark., to a walk-off 2-1 victory over Stamford at Burlington Field.

"It's a tough loss but these kids learned a lot of life lessons," Stamford manager John Calo said. "They learned about perseverance, never giving up and when you put your mind to it, you can achieve any goal."

Stamford certainly accomplished some lofty goals this season, including winning district, state and New England Regional titles. The all-stars finished with a 13-3 overall record.

"It was a tremendous season by these guys," Calo said. "To go from 1-2 in the districts last year to 13-3 this year and among the top six teams in the country is unbelievable."

Stamford had a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the seventh with relief ace Luis Lopez (0-2) on the hill.

The leadoff batter for Bryant hit the ball off the mound and shortstop Travis Docimo corralled it and threw to first. The umpire ruled the runner safe with the throw pulling the first baseman slightly off the bag.

A sacrifice moved the baserunner to second but Lopez induced a pop-up to catcher for the second out. Hayden Daniel then came up big for his team with an RBI double down the left field line to tie the score at 1-1.

Stamford was able to get a runner on base in the top of the eighth via a walk but couldn't cash in.

Bryant started things off in the bottom of the eighth with a walk. After a fly out to right field, the baserunner stole second and advanced to third on an errant throw by the catcher.

Lopez intentionally walked the next two batters, the Nos. 3 and 4 hitters, to set up a force at any base. The next batter grounded to second baseman Steven D'Annolfo, who threw home but the runner slid head first into home safely on the fielder's choice to give Bryant the walk-off victory.

"It was a good throw, right on the money, but he just beat it," Calo said.

Stamford starter Shawn Crowell pitched well and stifled Bryant through five innings. The lefty allowed no runs on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

Lopez, who played a big role in leading the team to the World Series, gave up two runs on two hits over 2 1/3 innings with one strikeout and two intentional walks.

Stamford took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning.

With one out, D'Annolfo walked and stole second. He took third on a groundout and scored on an RBI single by Docimo.

Docimo also shined in the field and made a tremendous play in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs and a runner on second, the batter hit a hard line drive ticketed for left center field but Docimo made a diving catch to his right to end the inning and preserve Stamford's lead.

"It was a highlight reel play," Calo said.

Kevin Epp led Stamford with two hits and Docimo and Matt Green also had hits.

"We played one of our best games of the whole season," Calo said.

Calo also praised LoRusso, who came on to pinch hit in the seventh inning, even though he was in pain due to a hip injury, and unfortunately couldn't finish his at-bat. Calo said LoRusso symbolized the heart and desire of all his players.

"They worked hard and grew as a team," Calo said. "John (Rivera), Buddy (Moynihan) and myself are proud to be their coaches. Every time their backs were against the wall, they came out fighting. It was an amazing run and I'm sure they'll never forget this experience the rest of their lives."

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